8. Small acts of kindness can make the world a better place. – Smile at people who look like they are having a rough day. Be kind to them. Kindness is the only investment that never fails. And wherever there is a human being, there’s an opportunity for kindness. Learn to give, even if it’s just a smile, not because you have too much, but because you understand there are so many others who feel like they have nothing at all. Read Way of the Peaceful Warrior .

9. Behind every beautiful life, there has been some kind of pain. – You fall, you rise, you make mistakes, you live, you learn. You’re human, not perfect. You’ve been hurt, but you’re alive. Think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, and to chase the things you love. Sometimes there is sadness in our journey, but there is also lots of beauty. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we hurt, for we will never know what is waiting for us just around the bend.

I have always enjoyed simple quotes that clarify what is really important in our lives. I think about them, and try to use them to make the most out of the life that I have. Have been very blessed, even with some very difficult, painful and sad times in my life.

Being on the road has certainly made it clear that being kind and helping others (strangers or friends) makes a huge difference and all it takes is a little bit of action toward helping vs just doing your own thing. Was raised with this value but having been helped along in my journey by others is humbling but serves as a very important lesson to "just do it".

Happy New Year, Radioman! Thank you for putting so much time and effort in your RR. It's not just the pics of places you go to. It is also how those places affect you, change you, that makes this such a great trip to follow along.

Stay safe, have fun.

__________________"Otherwise, its been a carnival of idiots, and Im the f*ckin ringmaster" - RTW DougSpeed is your friend, it also why you see a bike up in a tree from time to time - WarLlama

__________________
Equal to all of you of roads and good luck! - krokodil al-kashi

“We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, fear of getting down-sized or fired because of the plunging economy, fear of getting evicted for bad debts or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer.” —”Extreme Behavior in Aspen,” February 3, 2003

"The State sees the spectre looming ahead of terrorism and anarchy, and this increases the risk of its over-reaction and a reduction in our freedom." - Stanley Kubrick

Being on the road has certainly made it clear that being kind and helping others (strangers or friends) makes a huge difference and all it takes is a little bit of action toward helping vs just doing your own thing. Was raised with this value but having been helped along in my journey by others is humbling but serves as a very important lesson to "just do it".

I am very envious of what and where you've traveled thus far. However for me, I must keep in mind where true paradise exists..................between our ears. It's a state of mind. Kindness and being grateful for both the good and bad things in our lives allows for us to reach our full potential as human beings.

Ironically, you're above mentioned philosophy mirrors concepts in a book by Scott Peck called the Road Less Traveled. And here you are, certainly taking a "road less traveled" to reinforce your "values" taught to you in your youth.

Mark, you truly sound like a wise man, and I enjoy this RR for both it's view of the world and life. Happy New Year my friend!!!! :-)

I have been enjoying your RR on a daily basis and find inspiration in both your adventure and your outlook on life.

I have met several people over the years who seem to be habitual gripers. Not matter what their station in life, they still manage to see the bad.

I have known some of these types who travel all around the world trying to find that perfect place to settle down. Trouble is, they are just trying to run away from there problems and their problems are themselves. Gives new meaning to "No matter where you go, there you are".

I can easily slip in to that negative mood too but I remind myself to fill my head and heart with gratitude so there is no room for negative thoughts.

You seem to be able to do it naturally or you have worked at it to the point of habit.

9. Behind every beautiful life, there has been some kind of pain. – You fall, you rise, you make mistakes, you live, you learn. You’re human, not perfect. You’ve been hurt, but you’re alive. Think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, and to chase the things you love. Sometimes there is sadness in our journey, but there is also lots of beauty. We must keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we hurt, for we will never know what is waiting for us just around the bend.

I have always enjoyed simple quotes that clarify what is really important in our lives. I think about them, and try to use them to make the most out of the life that I have. Have been very blessed, even with some very difficult, painful and sad times in my life.

Being on the road has certainly made it clear that being kind and helping others (strangers or friends) makes a huge difference and all it takes is a little bit of action toward helping vs just doing your own thing. Was raised with this value but having been helped along in my journey by others is humbling but serves as a very important lesson to "just do it".

Happy New year Mark and thanks a lot for quote number 9.
I have gone through your last threads and have to say that you are setting an example (at least for me)
Take care and thanks for sharing with us all you share.